Aging voting machines raise concerns in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Nearly decade-old voting technology used in Ohio and elsewhere is raising concerns among elections officials who say the machines may be nearing the end of their lifespans and at risk of problems in the next few years.

The director of the Ohio Association of Election Officials says some counties are using a “Band-Aid” approach by using outdated equipment to replace broken machines.

They also don’t have much incentive to update because the technology hasn’t changed significantly. The federal government provided billions of dollars for voting system upgrades after the 2000 election, and Ohio bought touchscreen and ballot-scanning equipment between 2005 and 2006.

Ohio’s secretary of state says the technology concerns aren’t cause for panic but must be addressed.

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